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2006 Toyota Tacoma

by: stuart simpson

Another impressive redesign by Toyota this year was the new 2006 Toyota Tacoma. This truck has morphed from a small to a mid-size pickup truck. You are familiar with the Tacoma�s of the past. They are as reliable as the day is long, but how will the new truck compare?

I went shopping, and to be honest, I was checking out the Nissan Frontier, too. Its been redesigned and is about the same size as the new Tacoma. The Nissan has a rail system in the bed of the truck, but the Toyota has it on the deck edge up higher. I like it better as it seems as though it would make tying off items a lot easier. Also, in the bed, there are two neat lockable storage compartments nestled so they aren�t noticed. Pretty slick.

The new V6 has 236hp, which is no slouch in anyone�s book. The old V6 had about 190 hp I think. The standard 4-cylinder is 2.7 liters and rates 164 hp, which is more than most V6�s.

There�s an X-Runner available, which is more for show and go, than off road or work. My dad got the previous version, which was an S-Runner Tacoma. They are slick. Dad�s is way cool, and I�ve seen only one X-Runner at a car show as they sell before they are around on the lot too long. A pickup that can hold .9G�s on the skid pad will rival most sports cars. Basically, the X-runner has everything. The Prerunner and double cab are the top of the line for the 4x4 trucks, but they have many options. The only option I can find on the X-runner is daytime running lights.

Don�t worry, the SR5 still comes loaded up with a chrome grill, color bumpers, overfenders, leather steering wheel, and variable windshield wipers. The V6 has fog lamps and the sport package includes the limited-slip rear differential. The off-road package adds larger wheels, better suspension with bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential and skid plates and tow hooks.

The TRD Sport truck is my favorite with the hood scoop, 17� wheels, nicer seats, power outlet and a neat overhead console with compass and temperature gauge.

The Tacoma isn�t the little truck you see around anymore. My dad�s had 4. I�ve only owned one Toyota truck and I drove it until the wheels fell off. But you know what? It started and ran every time. I�m sure the trucks we see on the lot today will last another generation due to Toyota�s unsurpassed quality.

About the author:
Stuart Simpson

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